Roadworks created by the construction of a new services on the M25 motorway will cause delays and possible job cuts, firms fear.

Bosses believe there will be traffic delays of up to an hour in Cobham, which affect their trade.

The service station, between J9 and J10, is due to open next year.

A spokesman for the firm that will run the services said: "All appropriate care is being given to the interests of local communities."

Councillor Dorothy Mitchell, of Elmbridge Borough Council, said the traffic lights could be in place for up to 12 weeks.

Public inquiries

"This is the main road in and through Cobham. It is very busy at the best of times and it will be absolutely impossible."

Oliver Barnes, who manages a fence supplier in Cobham, said he was concerned the works would be detrimental to his business.

"The business could seriously have to downgrade its sales forecast and it could possibly threaten jobs," he said.

Mr Barnes added some customers had experienced delays of up to an hour when previous road works were being carried out in the area.

Andrew Long, from Extra Motorway Service Area Group, which will run the services, said: "Planning permission... was approved by the Secretary of State in 2005 after a series of various public inquiries, at which the views of all parties including any local objectors were taken into account."